When Tiny was first born my husband had one rule. We had to toss out the lavender scented all natural body cleansers we had been given as gifts, and stick to the tried and true golden stuff. He wanted to make sure our baby girl smelled like a baby was historically supposed to smell!  Well four-and-half-years and another kid later, I am starting to take some bath time initiative, and have branched out a little. Hip Peas Shampoo and Body Wash intrigued me since it is two products in one, and touts a blueberry scent! This hair and body wash is full of natural ingredients, and contains none of the things you don't want on your kids. The pump makes the bottle easy to use. And your kids do really smell like blueberries afterwards! It's a little reminiscent of Violet Beauregarde, the constant gum chewer in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!" ~ What all-natural products do you use on your kids? ~

I asked the owner of Arboretum Skin Care, Olga, what types of ingredients we should avoid using on young children. While she only creates skin care solutions and remedies for adults, she is both my aunt and a molecular biologist, so I value her opinion! She said that babies and kids should avoid ingredients such as PABA, sodium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil, lanolin, perfumes, pigments and dyes.  She added that preservatives such as formaldehyde, parabens and diazolidinyl urea should be avoided as well.  She explained that all of these ingredients can cause allergies and contact dermatitis. She also said that most of the time petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is pretty harmless, but that it can clog pores. ~ Parents: Have you found any baby bath or skin care products that you especially like? ~